HAVING scored 10 goals since the beginning of the 2014-2015 season of the Red Stripe Premier League, it is no surprise that Reno’s Craig ‘Breakfast’ Foster copped the first China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Starballer Award for the months of September and October.

Foster was presented with a cash prize of $30,000 and a commemorative plaque during half-time of the Monday Night football game between Cavalier and Waterhouse at Stadium East.

Jennifer Armond, regional communications manager for CHEC, said this was the third season that China Harbour has endorsed this additional incentive to encourage players to go that extra mile.

“Every month an exemplary player is chosen based on the number of games played in the season, the impact a player has had on his team, their disciplinary record as well as the goals scored and goal shutouts,” Armond noted.

Hailing from the parish of Westmoreland, Foster has been playing football since the age of 10, having begun his career early while attending Savanna-La-Mar Primary School and continuing during his high school years at Mannings High.

The CHEC Starballer Award came one day after Foster scored a hat-trick that secured Reno the Flow Champions Cup with a 4-3 win over Montego Bay United.

Foster, 23, has already made a name for himself both locally and internationally. He played for the National Under-20 team scoring eight goals in only five matches between 2010 and 2011. He was also the recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2010-2011 season in the then Digicel Premier League.

Foster then earned a prestigious contract playing for a Division One Swedish team side called AIF Motalla in 2011 and in 2013 he was recruited by Kooteepee FC in Finland. Later that year, Foster returned to Jamaica and reunited with Reno FC in January 2014.

“Football is a family tradition, it’s in my blood. So it was only natural for me to become a footballer,” said Foster.

“The CHEC Starballer Award definitely motivates players to work harder. But for me, there is so much more I want to accomplish. And for all the aspiring youth out there, you have to believe in yourself and in your abilities; you have to push yourself to the limit. It’s not an easy road, but the hard work will pay off,” urged Foster.

In addition to the CHEC Starballer, China Harbour sponsors the CHEC Star Coach of the Round, awarded to three coaches per season. The first recipient will be chosen before Christmas.